Ange Postecoglou names 46 players to fight for Cup berths

TWENTY-three players, including 16 from A-League clubs, have 22 days to convince national coach Ange Postecoglou they should be in his Socceroos squad to challenge for the Asian Cup, which Australia will host next month.

Questions have been asked why, after all the lead-up games in which he has used an army of players, Postecoglou needs to disappoint so many players when he cuts his 46-man squad down to 23 on December 30.

From his point of view, Postecoglou said it was up to every player in the preliminary squad to rise to the challenge and show they should be part of the Asian Cup action.

"At this stage the door is still open to all 46 players," he said.

"I'm happy with the depth of squad we have been able to name and it is now up to these 46 guys to ensure they are selected in the final squad.

"We have set about trying to broaden the depth of players and I'm happy with how that has transpired over the last five matches since the World Cup.

"We have a good group of players to choose from for what will be an exciting time for Australian football."

Postecoglou has recalled Josh Kennedy, Robbie Kruse and Rhys Williams - who were all unavailable through injury for the World Cup - to the squad.